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MRI findings in a dog with kernicterus
Katie M Belz1, Andrew J Specht, Victoria S Johnson
1Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association
|May 22, 2013
Summary
Kernicterus, a rare complication of high bilirubin levels in dogs, can cause severe neurologic decline. This case report details the first documented MRI findings of kernicterus in an adult dog, aiding diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Neurology
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia can lead to hyperbilirubinemia in dogs.
- Neurologic complications associated with hyperbilirubinemia are not well-documented in veterinary medicine.
Observation:
- A 9-year-old dog with immune-mediated hemolytic anemia developed severe hyperbilirubinemia and a comatose neurologic state.
- Brain MRI revealed symmetrical T2-weighted and FLAIR hyperintensities in deep brain structures and cortical gray matter.
Findings:
- Necropsy confirmed bilirubin deposition and neuronal necrosis (kernicterus) in the areas identified on MRI.
- This is the second reported case of adult canine kernicterus and the first to correlate MRI findings with the condition.
- MRI findings may aid in diagnosing kernicterus, a potentially underreported complication.
Implications:
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) may be a valuable tool for diagnosing kernicterus in dogs.
- Increased awareness and improved diagnostic capabilities can help identify this complication more readily.
- This case contributes to understanding the pathophysiology and diagnostic imaging of kernicterus in veterinary patients.